High Street, Burbage, Marlborough, Wiltshire

INTRODUCTION
The Grade II-listed Old Nursery is the picture of a traditional country cottage, with a host of period features. The thatched roof, quarry-tiled floors, exposed timber frame and roof beams, stable doors opening on to the garden, and log burners in each of the downstairs rooms all contribute to the welcoming and cosy feel of a house that has been a home for over 400 years.

THE PROPERTY
This charming Grade-II-listed property dates back to the 16th Century, and was originally two cottages, now combined into one comfortable home. The original appearance yet remains very much in evidence, with the earlier timber-framed structure with red brick in-fill panels adjoined by the later (17th century) addition, which is faced with traditional lime render. The thatched roof, so characteristic of the local area, has only recently been refurbished and so the house today looks very much as it did in centuries past.

The accommodation comprises:

On the Ground Floor -

The period charm of the property begins in the entrance hall, which retains the original quarry-tiled floor. To the right is a cosy sitting room, with open fireplace and log-burning stove. French doors open on to the terrace at the side of the property, with the pergola above providing shade to a pleasant outdoor dining area. To the left of the hall is the neat and practical kitchen with range cooker set within the original fireplace, and a selection of period-style cupboard units with granite worktops. A stable door leads out to the rear garden.

Adjacent to the kitchen is a utility room, with traditional Belfast sink set within cupboard units with beechwood worktops. Next to the kitchen is the dining room, with splendid inglenook fireplace and log-burner, and beyond this, a second sitting room or snug, currently configured as separate and self-contained guest accommo-dation. This comfortable and versatile room also features an open fireplace with log-burner, and benefits from a private wet room incorporating shower and w.c.

A staircase leads directly to Bedroom 4 above. This room also has its own private entrance, through a stable door that gives direct access to the garden and parking area to the rear of the house.

On the First Floor -

The former attic has now been converted to create a series of cosy bedrooms under the eaves and each one incorporates fitted storage solutions that cleverly take advantage of the voids and spaces within the building.

Taking the stairs up from the entrance hall, a landing gives access to three of the bedrooms and the family bathroom. On the left is Bedroom 1, with exposed timber floors and an elegantly designed range of period style fitted wardrobes that provide ample storage space; directly ahead is the family bathroom, and to the right, Bedroom 2. A connecting door then leads through to Bedroom 3. Bedroom 4 is accessed by a separate stair-case at the other end of the building, from the Snug directly below.

OUTSIDE
Occupying an elevated position set back from the High Street, the house is approached via a short flight of steps to the front garden, with a lawn bordered by flowerbeds and newly-planted trees and climbing roses. A gravelled path leads to the front porch. To the side of the property a lane leads round to the private parking area at the rear, which is large enough to accommodate 3-4 vehicles, and from which one can enter the rear garden. Beautifully tended over many years, the garden wraps around to the East and South and now boasts a mature and varied planting scheme of trees, shrubs and flowers. There is an outside tap, and a barbeque area. There are pergolas to the side and rear of the house, which can support a variety of climbing plants, and offer a shady spot where one can eat, or just sit and relax. There are several other seating areas in which to enjoy the garden throughout the day, as well as two summerhouses, a greenhouse and several potting sheds.

LOCATION
Burbage is a very popular village some 6 miles south of Marlborough and 20 miles west of Newbury, in the much sought-after Vale of Pusey. Benefitting from the A346 by-pass it has a very peaceful high street that now sees only local traffic, yet access to the wider main road and motorway network is only minutes away. There are good local bus services to Marlborough, Hungerford and Swindon, as well as rail connections from Pewsey(5.3m) and Great Bedwyn (5.6m) from which latter there are regular services to London Paddington (journey time approximately 1 hr).

The village is a thriving and active community, with a pub, post office and convenience store, GP surgery, and petrol station. It also has a well-regarded primary school (OFSTED rated Good), while a range of independent schools are also in easy reach.

Thus, Burbage has a healthy mix of young families and older residents, which contributes to its homely and welcoming feel. Surrounded by the magnificent countryside of the Vale of Pewsey, the Kennett and Avon canal and nearby Savernake Forest, and , Burbage also offers multiple opportunities to walk, cycle and ride – or float. It has something to offer for everyone.

SERVICES
Mains water, drainage, oil-fired central heating

CONSTRUCTION
Timber frame with brick in-fill, thatched roof.
Listed Building Grade II. List Entry Number: 1194485

LOCAL AUTHORITY
Wiltshire Council, Council Tax Band F

ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE
Rated D

BROADBAND AVAILABILITY
Sky Superfast Broadband - 66.5 - 73.8Mbs download speed

FLOOD RISK
None